Torrens University and SAS: Building Australia’s AI ready workforce

18 February 2026 | Media Release

Australia’s future competitiveness depends on organisations having access to AI and skilled staff who know how to use it effectively and responsibly.

To support this demand, Torrens University Australia has partnered with global leader in data and AI, SAS, to deliver a co-designed education pathway that equips employees with the latest technology skills and the knowhow to deploy AI solutions that augment human decision making.

Through a Machine Learning specialisation within the Graduate Certificate of Analytics, students gain hands-on experience with SAS Viya, a leading data and AI platform used across finance, government, health, retail and logistics. This specialisation ensures professionals who want to upskill can gain experience and knowledge that equips them to lift their career potential and add value to organisations.

Students also access SAS Viya for Learners and the SAS Skill Builder for Students platform, enabling them to deepen technical capability, close knowledge gaps and prepare for globally recognised certifications.

Dr Hayden McDonald, Director of Analytics at Torrens University, says the message from industry is clear.

"Across Australia, organisations are telling us they need people who can work confidently with data, automation and AI. Our partnership with SAS ensures learners develop those skills on the same enterprise tools used in industry. This is about strengthening workforce capability, improving productivity and helping organisations get real value from their technology investments.

“Torrens University is for real life – that means our graduates can immediately contribute to organisational performance," said Dr McDonald.

Over the past three years, SAS has partnered with Torrens University by:

• Providing students with access to datasets and technologies.
• Integrating SAS certifications within subject materials.
• Participating in advisory and consultative academic committees, contributing industry expertise to curricula, subject review and program development.
• Mapping SAS professional certifications against learning materials, helping eligible students receive credit or advanced standing and fast tracking formal qualification achievement.
• Enabling work integrated learning support via placements or project case studies for students to gain employability skills.

AI is a national priority for skills and productivity

AI and workforce transformation dominated discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where leaders emphasised AI’s role in reshaping productivity and competitiveness. Australia faces the same imperative. Without a workforce skilled in analytics, machine learning and applied AI, organisations risk falling behind.

The Australian Computer Society’s 2025 Digital Pulse report highlights the scale of the opportunity:

• Up to 30% more effective use of technology when staff have the right digital skills.
• 25 billion dollars in potential economic uplift by 2035.
• 63 billion dollars in annual cyber related losses that stronger skills can help mitigate.

Industry aligned capability for a data driven economy

The Torrens University and SAS partnership directly addresses these challenges by aligning education with enterprise requirements. Students develop applied skills in predictive modelling, automation and AI. These capabilities are essential for organisations seeking to scale technology investments, strengthen decision making and reduce operational risk.

Mike Gandhi, Head of Education at SAS Australia and New Zealand, says the collaboration is building the talent pipeline Australian organisations need.

"At SAS, we are not just preparing students for jobs. We are equipping them to shape the future of data, AI and analytics in Australia and New Zealand. Our partnership with Torrens University ensures that tomorrow’s talent is armed with real world skills and the curiosity to turn challenges into opportunities, helping businesses deliver better results and make human centric, governed decisions."

Turning AI skills into real organisational value

This partnership provides organisations with:

• Staff trained on enterprise grade analytics tools.
• Improved productivity and data driven decision making.
• Stronger return on technology investment.
• Reduced cyber and operational risk.

For professionals, it offers:

• Advanced, industry relevant machine learning and AI skills.
• Increased employability and career mobility.
• Credentials developed with a global analytics leader.

Ian Edwards, Head of Academic Outreach for SAS Australia and New Zealand, says that the collaboration between Torrens University and SAS offers exciting pathways for students to improve their skills in emerging technologies.

Torrens University Australia invites organisations and professionals to explore the Machine Learning specialisation within the Graduate Certificate of Analytics, and the broader analytics program suite, as a strategic investment in future ready capability.

Media enquiries: media.enquiries@torrens.edu.au